- The interim ruler of Gabon, Rose Rogombe has appealed for the nation and all candidates to wait for the final declaration of results and not try to ruin the Sunday’s peaceful electoral processes.

The Gabonese interim leader appealed for calm following declarations by three main candidates claiming victory in the elections.

She further urged all Gabon citizens to respect the rule of law and democracy and show the world they are a responsible and mature nation.

Front runner Ali Ben Bongo, the son of the late Omar Bongo who ruled the country for more than 40 years, declared victory following the Sunday polls, while opposition leader, Pierre Mamboundou also believes he has collected enough votes to become Gabon’s next president.

On the other hand, Andre Mba Obame, who broke away from the ruling party and got support from other opposition leaders, is also confident he has over 50 percent of the vote and would be declared the country’s next president. Mr Obame is the former interior minister.

The official and final results are expected before the weekend with both Gabonese voters and international observers waiting anxiously to see if the vote would bring to an end the 42 years of the Bongo family leading the country or usher a new leadership.

Mr Bongo died in June this year after being admitted at a Spanish clinic.

Some more than 800,000 electorates were expected to cast the votes on Sunday with 18 contenders registered for the presidential race.

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